Figuring out the direction you want to go for your post secondary education is hard. Perhaps you have a couple of careers or programs you have been mulling over, nothing concrete. Sometimes it helps to hear and see what a day would be like if you were a student on campus, what to expect and activities there are to do. Luckily BCIT has a program called Spend a Day where you can have your own personalized tour of our campus with a student, such as myself. I had the honor of hosting our first guest, Emily, for her Spend a Day showing her around the media building and introducing to the Radio Arts and Entertainment program. Better understand why she decided to contact us and interest in our program we sat down and had a short interview.
But before we jump into the interview, if you missed out on what we did for Emily’s Spend a Day, you can check it out HERE, as well as see some student project features!
Photography by Timothy Takemoto
Interview with Emily
Q: How are you feeling so far? Was there a reason you decided to contact us for a Spend a Day?
Emily
I think it’s so I can get a better feel. And I like how the program is and what the students kind of experience, rather than read it all online and then go in blind. I feel like the spend the day is really good because I’ll be here. So I’m getting to know all the stuff eventually will help.
Q: And how did you hear about the Radio Arts and Entertainment Program?
Emily
So like I heard about it through school. We did research about it in grade ten and like I’ve been really interested in ever since. So I’ve just been like waiting.
[Waiting, and kind of saving money?]
Yeah!
Q: Coming all the way from Vancouver Island, and currently working, did you already go into post-secondary school or take a gap year?
Emily
I’m (currently) in my gap year. So I’ve been working a lot and getting those kind of work hours and then (earn) money as well, so I can save for (school). But I ultimately knew that, we have different colleges over there like Victoria Island University, but they don’t offer programs I want to attend. So BCIT was so broad and (had) everything. For a while I was a little interested in business, but then like, I wanted to be more creative, so I figured I’d go into broadcasting media and major more towards Radio Arts.
Q: How did you develop an interest for radio? Was it because you participated on a show before or you heard something that you really liked?
Emily
Growing up with people, like personal people that are on the radio- We have friends that are on our local Nanaimo radio station. And so I’ve been in the booth while they’ve been recording, but I’ve never been on air. So I’ve just seen kind of how it works, but I’ve never controlled or been up front and just kind of been in the background. And then I just like how energetic everyone is on the air and the banter between the hosts or even just one host, they can banter with the audience without ever (hearing) a response. So I kind of want to figure out how to do that and have that kind of confidence.
Q: Is there any particular radio station you would love to work for in the future? Would you like to stay on Vancouver Island, work in Vancouver, or maybe go international?
Emily
Honestly, I like Vancouver. There’s so many different radio stations here. I think 95.3 or 94.5.
[Oh so you have specific stations you’re aiming for]
Yeah, I’ve listened to the hosts and I love the music that they play. I mean there’s other radio stations too that I haven’t really discovered that play more of my genre of music, but like those ones, they’re pop radio stations. So the hosts I feel are more like upbeat and energetic.
Q: Now that you have done Spend the Day, and seeing what we have to offer you, what are some impressions that you have? Did some expectations change?
Emily
Honestly, I think it just made me more excited for the course. I mean, I was insanely nervous when I got asked to do an interview question (live on radio), but then once it was over with, I kind of just rolled off my back, you know? Yeah, I feel a lot more confident with it now.
During our conversation it was discovered that Emily had signed up for our flex program instead of our full-time program, and was unware of what parts were similar about the program and what parts were vastly different. The unfortunate side of the tour is that Spend a Day focuses on the studies of the full time programs, and not so much the flex program. The fortunate side is that we were able to find out if flex was still right for her versus taking on the full time program. So if you’re a bit confused, here are some key factors for you to consider!
The similarities
Both programs are 2 year long commitments, offer a variety of classes focused on content creation, and a foundation of information needed to get started in radio or entertainment from experts in the industry.
The differences
Full time curates your course schedule for you, full access to industry standard equipment and programs needed for you to build your foundations. Less than 30 classmates per set, that you will be together with over the next 2 years, establishing close bonds with your future collaborators. Internships/Co-op opportunities more plentiful, with hands on media labs where you perform jobs/exercise your creativity. Tuition fee is pre-bundled, so even if you opt out due to already having credits for the course you will not get money back, but generally affordable. Class schedules are typically scheduled from morning to afternoon, aside from media labs where you may be assigned an evening shift for radio, but only for a approx. 6-7 days per project shift. And you receive a diploma once you finish your program, and there is a pathway program that allows you to further your education and assist you in gaining your degree.
Flex/part time you have a couple of required courses but you are able to pick classes that specialize in specific topics, however you need to pay for individual courses. Much smaller groups, and classes may not be credible if you decide to transfer into the full time program (would need to be discussed with a councilor). You will only receive a certificate once you finish your program.
Overall our goal at the Radio Arts and Entertainment program is to find what best suits you and your lifestyle. Regardless if flex works best for you or if you can join us for our upcoming semesters, you’re all more than welcome to check us out and Spend a Day with us to get a better idea what works best for you
SPEND A DAY
A bit too nervous to for that 1-on-1, no worries we have an open house where you are more than welcome to bring friends and family with you to check us out. Swing by on January 25th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m and you’ll get to meet several student volunteers and instructors ready to answer your questions to prepare you for your post secondary decisions!
OPEN HOUSE